Sparks & Mingle (45+)

Mindfulness not cardio event. Outlined later in this post is an approximate 8 Mile Journey- suggest bringing snacks and or packed lunch since food trucks may not be at this venue.
Cost: The parking space itself is free, but remember that any vehicle entering Belle Isle Park must have a Michigan Recreation Passport typically purchased with your Michigan vehicle plate renewal.
However, those with Michigan vehicle plates can purchase it at the Belle Isle gate and use for remainder of year.
Those with vehicle plate from another state can purchase a day pass. (Keep scrolling >>>)

Meet at Belle Isle Nature Center - commence mindful strolling hike on well groomed trails and boardwalk.
Wear proper shoes and attire for situation - suggest bringing water and bug spray. Since this is a much longer hike, suggest you bring snacks. Dress according to forecasted weather conditions but realizing a breeze off the water - suggest you bring a jacket and dress in layers. Restrooms and water bottle refill stations are available year-round at the Belle Isle Nature Center. (Keep scrolling)

Driving Directions: Once you cross the MacArthur Bridge onto Belle Isle, keep left and follow the main loop road (Sunset Drive which turns into The Strand and then Lakeside Drive). It takes about 7 to 8 minutes of steady driving from the bridge to reach the far eastern tip where the Nature Center sits. The Parking Setup: The Nature Center features a wide, paved one-way circular loop lot right in front of the building.If the Lot is Full: the main lot should have plenty of open spaces. However, if it overflows, vehicles can safely parallel park on the paved shoulder along Lakeside Drive directly adjacent to the center. (Keep scrolling >>>>)
Trail networks essentially overlap or encircle the Nature Center area, you can easily walk right out the "front door" to start them. Later in this description is a complete approximately 8 mile group hiking itinerary. At 10am start our adventure from the Belle Isle Nature Center parking lot after taking advantage of the permanent restroom facilities here before hitting the trails. Below I have posted approximate miles and start times of subsequent trails. If you need to bailout at any point, you are on your own to get to your vehicle.
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The Forest & Gravel Legs (3.0 miles total): Start fresh with the shaded Oakway Trail loop. You will return right to the Nature Center, where you can instantly step across the grass onto the gravel Driker Trail for views of the Canadian shoreline.
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The Lighthouse Extension (2.6 miles total): Keep heading east as the trail merges seamlessly onto the Blue Heron Lagoon loop, bringing your group out to the historic William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse for a prime group photo. (Keep scrolling >>>>)

The Grand Cross-Island Walk (1.3 miles): Cut straight across the island by walking west down Loiter Way, transitioning the group from the quiet woods to the historic western district. (Keep scrolling >)

The Skyline Finale (2.3 miles): Pick up the paved Ralph
C. Wilson Jr. Trail right in front of the Belle Isle Aquarium. Walk clockwise past the James Scott Memorial Fountain while enjoying wide-open views of the Detroit skyline. (Keep scrolling >>>>>>)

Return Walk via Loiter Way back to cars (2.0 mi)
Walking Return Route - Step 1: From the finish line of the Wilson Trail at the Belle Isle Aquarium, walk east down Inselruhe Ave, passing the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, on your right. Step 2: Turn left onto Central Ave, walk for just one block, and then make an immediate right onto Loiter Way. Step 3: Follow Loiter Way straight east for 1.5 miles. This long, flat stretch passes right by the Belle Isle Golf Range and cuts directly through the heart of the island. Step 4: Loiter Way will dead-end right into the Nature Center parking lot, bringing you back to your vehicles. Congrats! You made it through this post!!

Please join me for hike at Haven Hill trail at Highland Recreation Area. The hike will be moderately paced and we will stop to explore the ruins of the Edsel and Elinore Ford estate. This trail passes through all four of the southeast Michigan ecosystems.
There are restroom facilities at the meeting location but none along
the trail. This is a State park so recreation pass will enable free entry otherwise there will be a nominal fee.

Looking for a fun night out with other mature adults? Join us at Rochester Mills Beer Co. in downtown Rochester for an evening of live music, dancing, great conversation, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

The Stone Blossoms are a four-piece Detroit-area band bringing classic rock favorites and deeper cuts to the stage. Their repertoire draws from artists such as the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, the Rolling Stones, CCR, Pink Floyd, and the Eagles. They put their own stamp on familiar songs with extended jams and musical improvisation. Come enjoy an evening of live classic rock, dancing, and great company!

But food and drink